Hormuz Traffic Gradually Recovering as Tankers Resume Transits Following Iran Closure

## Hormuz Traffic Gradually Recovering as Tankers Resume Transits Vessel movements through the Strait of Hormuz are slowly returning to normal after Iran declared the strategic waterway closed over the weekend, with oil and liquefied natural gas tankers resuming transits as of Monday, according to gCaptain, citing live shipping data. The resumption of traffic through the strait — one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints — offers some relief to energy markets that remain acutely sensitive to any disruption in the region. Approximately 20% of the world's traded oil and a significant share of global LNG exports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, making any closure, even a temporary one, a matter of serious concern for energy security and freight markets worldwide. Shipping data tracked by gCaptain confirmed that tankers were once again transiting the narrow passage between Iran and Oman on Monday, though traffic levels remained below normal, suggesting operators and charterers were proceeding with caution in the wake of Iran's weekend announcement. The incident underscores the persistent geopolitical risk that operators, charterers, and insurers must factor into voyage planning for vessels trading in the Arabian Gulf. War risk insurance premiums for the region have remained elevated in recent years, and episodes such as this weekend's closure are likely to reinforce underwriters' caution. For tanker operators, the Strait of Hormuz represents an unavoidable passage for vessels loading at major Gulf export terminals in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Iraq, and Qatar. There is no viable alternative route for the vast majority of this trade, amplifying the strategic leverage that any disruption to the strait carries. Market participants will be closely monitoring vessel tracking data in the coming days to assess whether traffic volumes return fully to pre-closure levels and whether Iran issues any further statements regarding access to the waterway. Energy traders and shipping analysts are also watching for any knock-on effects on spot freight rates for VLCCs and LNG carriers operating in the region. *Source: gCaptain*